Rivercane splints are narrow strips split from rivercane, a native cane grass of the southeastern United States with a straight, hollow, fibrous structure. These samples include both undyed splints and splints dyed with butternut bark.
Composition
Rivercane splints
Handling Notes
- Splints are used for weaving baskets and mats
- Splints can be dyed
- To prepare splints for use, soak them in warm water before weaving
- Keep splints damp while working—dry splints crack and won't bend without rehydrating first
- Splints stiffen quickly and lose flexibility as they dry out
Provenance
Mary W. Thompson, Cherokee Baskets & Vessels, Cherokee, North Carolina. Acquired 2024.
Sources
- Barnes, Marianne. New and Different Materials for Weaving and Coiling. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2012.
In Use
Have you used this material?
Please contact Mellanee Goodman, Program Director, Curator, and Materials Specialist, to start a conversation about submitting your work for inclusion on this site.
mgoodman@centerforcraft.org